Russian Gun-Maker Unveils New Bullpup Rifle

A new bullpup rifle called the Ash-12 has been developed by TsKIB SOO, a subsidiary of the Russian weapons’ company KBP Instrument Design Bureau, according to The Firearm Blog.

With a bullpup rifle the gun’s action is behind the trigger, decreasing the firearm’s length and weight while maintaining the same barrel length.

The Ash-12 is chambered in a new family of 12.7x55mm cartridges specially developed for the rifle.

“It is similar in size and probably power, to the .50 Beowulf. To help mitigate recoil, the Ash-12 is fitted with a large two-baffle muzzle brake,” writes the firearm blog. “The 12.7x55mm assault rifle cartridge is based on the 12.7x55mm subsonic rifle cartridge."

Also, TsKIB SOO has developed a FMJ, soft-point, lead and armour piercing loads for the 12.7x55mm assault rifle cartridge. The Ash-12 weapon is also configured with a suppressor and a grenade launcher.